Laboratory Technician I - Laboratory of Dr. Joyce

Career Opportunities; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Salk Institute in San Diego is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to support the Laboratory of Dr. Joyce. You will perform routine molecular biology and biochemistry tasks and maintain accurate laboratory records.

Under supervision by a Sr. Staff Scientist, you will receive training in techniques across Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry, with opportunities to contribute to life sciences research focused on origins of life and synthetic biology.

Qualifications

• No professional experience is required.
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Computer skills: Word and Excel.
• Undergraduate coursework in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Organic Chemistry preferred.
• Prior biology/chemistry lab experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic experiments under supervision, including RNA synthesis prep and purification.
• Perform chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry procedures as assigned.
• Prepare and maintain common lab stocks and reagents with proper documentation.
• Monitor inventories and assist with lab supplies and disposables.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure protocol adherence.
• Ensure safety practices and proper handling/disposal of hazardous materials.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Laboratory Technician I - Laboratory of Dr. Joyce

Job Category: Research Sciences Support

Requisition Number: LABOR002859

• Posted : October 21, 2026


• Part-Time


• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

As a Lab Technician I, this position will be supporting the Laboratory of Dr. Joyce where they will focus on research support related to current research projects. Responsibilities may include routine molecular biology and biochemical techniques, maintaining and preparing accurate records of all experiments, and assisting with general lab maintenance.

The Lab Technician will work closely alongside a Sr. Staff Researcher who will provide direct supervision. The role involves receiving comprehensive training in standard and specialized Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry experimental techniques, and using those techniques to support research efforts in the laboratory. The Lab Technician may have the opportunity to conduct research experiments related to the laboratory's focus on the Origin of Life and Synthetic Biology. The Lab Technician will be responsible for conducting experiments designed by the Sr. Staff Scientist or other laboratory research associates and ensuring precise execution, documentation, and organization of experimental procedures and outcomes.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearful in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members , the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Conduct basic experiments under the guidance of the Sr. Staff Scientist, which
  can include preparative RNA synthesis and purification, chemistry, molecular
  biology, biochemistry experiments, and DNA sequencing library preparation.


• Prepare and maintain common laboratory stocks and reagents, ensuring proper
  documentation and protocol adherence.


• Monitor and resupply laboratory inventories of common research supplies and
  disposables.


• Assist in the maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of laboratory equipment.


• Report any malfunctioning equipment or potential safety hazards promptly to the
  supervisor.


• Record experimental data accurately and maintain detailed laboratory records.


• Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working
  environment.


• Follow laboratory policies and procedures, including proper handling and
  disposal of hazardous materials.


• Participate in safety training and maintain awareness of potential risks in the
  laboratory.


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• No professional experience is required.


• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months
  related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and
  experience.


• Computer skills required: Microsoft Word and Excel, or other word processing
  and spreadsheet software.


• Undergraduate course work in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Organic
  Chemistry for Life Sciences preferred.


• Prior experience in a biology or chemistry lab setting preferred.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $17.75 to $18.00 hourly.Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits , including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

• Any combination of characteristics.


• A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.


• A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

IND123

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.